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COPYRIGHT DKPOSm 



POEMS 



BY 
JEANNIE COPES WHITE 




BOSTON 

SHERMAN, FRENCH & COMPANY 

1916 






COPYRIGHT, 1916 

Sherman, French 6* Company 



AUG 25 1916 



CIA437376 



rs* 



TO 
MY FATHER 

ALFRED HENRY WHITE 

AND 

MY SISTER 

LOUISE ROBERTS WHITE 

IN MEMORY OF THEIR 
BEAUTIFUL CHARACTERS 



CONTENTS 

PAGE 

Age 1 

Home 2 

Over the Hills 4 

New Orleans 7 

Love 9 

Op a Sister 10 

A Child's Faith 11 

Superstition 12 

Recompense 13 

Girls 14 

Attuned 17 

Miss Sophie B. Wright . 18 

Stars 20 

Song 21 

Audubon 22 

Five Years Older 23 

Great Designer . .24 

Tam's Party 25 

Be Satisfied 28 

Unquestioned . . . . . . . . .29 

A Sailor's Wife 30 

Peace and Good Will 31 

A Ship 33 

Nature's Nuptials 34 

Perfection 35 

Love Unalloyed 37 

Upward 39 

Retrievement 40 

Eternity 41 

Life 43 

Resurrection 44 

Billy Boy 45 

Why? 46 

The Fair Sex 47 

The Gentle One 48 



PAGE 

Twilight 49 

Lou 50 

Memory 51 

Chippy 52 

Bedtime 53 

Twins 55 

Action 57 

A Christmas Tree 58 

Lover 59 

Soul's Reward 60 

Idle Thoughts 61 

Better Day 62 

Thought 63 

Give 65 

My Father 66 

A Scarlet Fever Case 67 

Psyche 71 

Dream Children 72 

Our Nation 73 

Surrender 74 

President Wilson . .76 

Good-night 77 

Too Tired to Pray 78 

Which One . .82 

Rixford Lincoln 83 

To George 84 

Prayer for Alice 86 

My World 87 

Life Fulfilled . . . ... . .88 

Common Lot 89 

Clouds 90 

Newsboys 92 

Sunset 93 

Two Girls 95 

Tulips 96 

Autumn 97 



PAGE 

Heart 99 

Thousands Dead in the Field . . . .100 

Wilson Engaged 101 

Weeping Willow 102 

The Great Teacher 104 

Negroes 105 

Wind 106 

Little Book 107 

Treasure . . .108 

What the Children Say 109 

The Blessed 114 

Death . . . . 116 

Little Stream 117 

Little Tree 118 

Daddy Can Understand 119 

Our World 122 

The Stars 124 

Gwendolyn Gay 125 

Do You Know? 134 

Dr. William C. Minor 135 

To Live 137 

A Soul 138 

Boys 140 

Southland 141 

Christ of the Andes 142 

Ruth the Gleaner 144 

God Within 146 

Carnival 148 

Christmas 150 

Night Is Coming 151 

Beautiful Light 152 

The Sun 153 



AGE 

Silver hairs I trace, 
Lines upon the face, 
And a slower tread, 
With a drooping head; 
Shoulders that are bent, 
Vigor that is spent, 
All the aches and pains 
As a life-time wanes. 
You have set the pace; 
Time has won the race, 
And as victor claims 
All your hopes and aims ; 
Leaves you all alone, — 
No chance to atone. 
Yesterday has gone,— 
Yours to-morrow morn. 
Take it, make it good; 
Hold it as you should; 
For your day is sinking, — 
Now is time for thinking. 

Knowing, doing, keeping, — 
Faith and love and reaping. 






[ i ] 



, 



HOME 

You see that home across the way, 
Where flowers are bright and children live? 
I watch this home as, day by day, 
The father comes from work at eve; 
For just as dusk comes over head 
I see a window open wide. 

Two yellow tops, and one is red, — 

They watch for father's homeward stride. 

When once they see his loving face, — 

It is the sweetest sight to me. 

My ! What a shout, and what a race ! 

It's father's coming home, you see. 

The first a kiss : how very fine ! 

The one who wins will get a crush 

By those who come along behind. 

No king such escort ever had 

To queen that's standing by the gate, 

While baby waves and calls " Dad ! Dad !" 

The king's return to home in state. 
The home ; to pass beyond the door, 
And peep at life so fair within. 
There's pictures, chairs, things on the floor,- 
All comforts he has worked to win. 
Just what I see? You want to know? 
In this sweet home across the way, 

[ 2 ] 



Why, love that will not let you go, 

And welcome that must have you stay, 
• • • • 

And may my home across the way 
Have all this love, and welcome free, 
Just like the one I see to-day, — 
With some one at the gate for me. 



[ 3 ] 



- 



OVER THE HILLS 

" Over the hills and far away," 

That is what sweet poets say; 

But all the hills that I can see 

Are in the state of Tennessee. 

5 Tis nature's boundary firm and strong; 

Will last for age on ages long. 

They bound the nation long ago 

From Indians who went to and fro 

In hunting, fishing, savage wars, 

And cruelties practiced without cause. 

This held the white man captive here ; 

To go beyond: it was their fear. 

It closed such wonders from their sight — 

The vast domain that was their right, — 

The peaceful beauty of these hills, 

The vales and falls, the caves and rills, 

The mines and rocks and pasture land, 

The gardens, stocks and wheat so grand, 

The scenes of beauty all around, 

The corn and grain that here abound, 

The apple orchard, grapes and fruit, 

For any palate they will suit. 

It seems no riches can be found 

That is not in this land around. 

But w T hen these hills at last were scaled, 
From this fair land so many hailed, 
To reach a greater country far 

[ * ] 



That beckoned with a golden star; 
And so our nation was enlarged, 
With cities, schools, and riches charged. 
But back here in these hills to-day 
My heart in anguish wants to say 
That all around the purest race 
Show Anglo-Saxon on their face. 
A race where blood is pure and clean 
Live in these hills, by us unseen; 
Their face and figure very fair, 
With clear, blue eyes and golden hair, 
Save when 'tis found in darker hue; 
Refinement and a brain show through. 
The sweet faced men, with artless grace, 
Drawn from a love of God, well placed; 
The modest, gentle, friendly maid, 
With hands to work at any trade, 
And heart so loyal, brave and true, — 
To know them is a pleasure too. 

But I have wandered from my theme, 

In rapture o'er some happy scene. 

My heart still cries aloud in pain 

For these dear folks : — some of this same, 

The little Anglo-Saxon child 

Upon these mountains vast and wild 

Are fading their sweet lives away. 

The hook-worm is the cause, they say. 

Some wasted to the very bone, 

While others in great swelling shown. 

[ 5 ] 



Their minds are weakened by the scourge,- 
They cannot learn, nor work the forge. 
The land where first the white man came — 
Dear victims these. — Who is to blame? 
Some cannot read the simplest line, 
Or write their names, except by sign. 
Ah! How my heart goes out to them, 
This fairest race, — the mountain stem. 
When money thus our nation take 
And schools for negro race they make — 
A plea from one, a cry grown wild, 
I make for this white mountain child. 



[ 6] 



NEW ORLEANS 

Right in the river's mouth 
You proudly took your place, 
The cities of the South, 
The greatest of your race. 
Your arms you circled round 
And lovingly embrace, 
But you don't like the sound 
Of kisses on your face. 
The city of my birth; 
My first breath in your heart; 
The place to me on earth 
Where light of day was brought. 
Here all my childhood spent 
Amid your rush and din; 
As business came and went, 
My spirit leaped within. 
I've seen your buildings rise, 
Your homes and churches too ; 
Have watched your growing size, 
As year on year you grew. 
I've seen your lazy limbs 
Go stretching here and there, 
Embracing in your rims 
All that is good and fair. 
I've seen this face and form, 
Familiar to the place, 
And then in great alarm 
I've heard he's lost the race, 
[7 ] 



That one, and this — and this — 
Whose presence with us here 
We often sadly miss : 
They made the city dear. 
But one by one they pass 
And step across the line; 
Their places fill up fast 
By others for a time. 
So they will in their time 
Lie down, and then go out 
Beyond the city line 
Upon a strange new route. 
To where your road will lead? 
Why, to the city fair; 
But you must give good heed 
To passage and to fare. 
Why can we not transport 
This city over there? 
Let others hold the fort 
Until we claim our share. 
Oh, may I there see you 
Beyond this border line? 
And may you see me, too, 
For that would be sublime. 
God grant my second birth, 
Within that city fair, 
Be likened to the first, 
With familiar faces there. 



[8] 



LOVE 

I heard a voice that said to me 

That all this bright and beautiful world 

Is faithful Love's fair flag unfurled. 

O Love ! Sweet Love ! that perfumes spring, 
And spreads through all the summer, too; 
The autumn's claim upon you bring 
The fruits, so winter time may brew. 

O Love ! Fair Love ! you holy thing ; 
To hear, to see, and know you too, — 
A blessed lesson thus you bring, 
For us to learn to love from you. 



[ 9 ] 



OF A SISTER 

Lo ! I had a dream last night, last night, 

An angel was in white, all white. 

Her eyes were like the stars above, 

Her voice was like a cooing dove. 

She bent above, and on my brow 

A kiss was pressed; I feel it now. 

You say what I would like to say, 

But I was called before my day. 

My life would've been a life of love 

To Him; but I was called above. 

So you must give to every one 

For me, before your life is done. 

I was so glad, you know, you know — 

Because I loved — I loved her so. 

I clung to her; she drew away; 

And this is all she had to say: 

Good-bye, good-bye, for I must go, 

While you must think for me below. 



[10] 






A CHILD'S FAITH 

I am so sleepy — sing of trees, 
Of flowers, birds, and bumble-bees, 
And puppies, kitties, railroad trains, 
The sun, the stars, the clouds, and rain; 
And end it all with glory band 
Of children in a happy land, 
And Jesus with his arms around 
The little forms, and the glad sound 
Of happy voices ringing out. 
Our sins are gone. We sing about 

Our joy, for we are all forgiven. 

• • • 

The little head drops down to sleep. 
He's glad to know, and feels so deep 
The blessed truth, that cheers him so, 
To know his baby sins will go 
Away from him; and like the song, 
He praises Him who bore the wrong. 



en] 



SUPERSTITION 

She burned a match to see, you know; 
His love for her would thereby show. 
" He loves me not," she said, and sighed. 
A voice replied, " You'll be my bride." 
Another match — it burned not through 
" 'Tis so, I know, the match tells true ; 
He loves me not, again, you see." 
"Those matches do not speak to thee; 
They cannot tell you what is true, 
For I am here, and I love you." 



[12] 



RECOMPENSE 

The ostrich and the peacock, 
With finest plumage found, — 
But sad as it may seem to you, 
They live upon the ground. 

The joys that are of soul and mind 

In dress we do not search; 

The birds that sing the sweetest songs 

On highest tree-tops perch. 



[13] 



GIRLS 

Three of them, — those girlies all, 
Sisters, friends, and playmates small. 
One with eyes of clearest blue, 
One has orbs of grayish hue, 
Brown eyes has the other one ; 
All pairs shine out full of fun. 
Then the different colored heads, 
Yellow, brown, and one is red. 
Every head is bobbed alike; 
Change is in the color bright. 
And on top, as paused in flight, 
Butterflies with wings so bright 
Had to sip the honey sweet, 
These human flowers they meet. 
This the bow of ribbon tied 
Just a little on one side; 
Heads so round, and held so high, 
Poised to look toward the sky; 
Carrying their backs so straight; 
Squaring shoulders is the fate 
Limbs that are so firm and round, 
Footsteps passing without sound, 
Hands so white, that give a touch 
Gentle, cool, and even such 
That when ill, you like to feel 
Tapering fingers gently heal. 
Three short skirts and six bare limbs,- 
Socks of course, with slippered rims. 

[14] 



Dresses, when they go to school, — 
Brightest plaids, it seems, the rule. 
When to Sunday School they go 
Fresh and white their garments show, 
And when off to bed they creep 
You will have to take a peep. 
See from chin to tip of toe, 
Gowned in white, and all in row, 
On their knees that they may pray 
Properly. And then they lay 
Down in quiet, dreamless sleep, 
Such as healthy children reap. 

When you hear their voices clear, 
Thanking you, — for, never fear, 
Their politeness is not slow; 
It is real, for it will flow 
Freely to the rich and poor 
Or the beggar at the door. 
It will make you feel repaid 
For what service you've made. 
Glad they are to help some way, 
Cheerful, tactful, bright and gay, 
Making home a pleasant place 
With their kisses, songs and face. 
Ah, these girls t You little girl ! 
Your sweet mission in this world 
Well you know, and do your part, 
Taking all the world unsought. 
Knowledge taught by your small heart, 

[15] 



Finished, rounded, perfect art. 
Leave us not, for how could we 
Live, or any pleasure see? 
How could we such comfort know, 
If we did not love you so? 



[16] 



ATTUNED 

When dawn yields up to light, 
You have a troubled breast ; 

That song may set you right, — - 
The bird is near the nest. 

When clouds above are gray, 
Gray seems your spirit, too. 

A change I — Your thoughts turn gay, 
To see the sun shine through. 

It warms your cold reserve, 
It melts your heart of stone, 

To feel the baby curve 
His neck into your own. 

And when you feel the blight 

Of fever and of pain, 
That red rose blushing bright 

Will bring a smile again. 

Pure silver threads run through 

Us all; and at the core 
Our hearts are gold and true, 

Now, and forevermore. 



[17] 



MISS SOPHIE B. WRIGHT 

You are gone, Miss Sophie Wright, 

Dear beating, throbbing heart. 
Your life was such a fight, 

And yet you did your part. 
Your nervous hands no more 

You'll turn and move at will ; 
They rest as ne'er before, 

The handkerchief is still. 
Your frame, so small and mean, 

Shall trouble you no more; 
The sufferings you have seen 

Are gone forever more. 
Your life so early old, 

Because so full of strain, 
Is just a lesson told 

Of sunshine and of rain. 
And now we see no more 

Your little yearning face. 
Perchance you've seen before 

In heaven a certain place. 
And all your love for boys 

And girls you've left behind? 
Do you in heavenly joys 

Pray that these shall find? 
Right in the toil of life 

Your chair you left behind ; 
You left the heat and strife 

A richer life to find. 

[18] 



And as we sing the hymn, 
" Until we meet again," 

An echo on the wind 

Wafts back to us — Amen. 



[19] 



STARS 

Some stars are fixed, and some they say 
Will travel on forever and aye, 
Seeking always peace and rest, 
Weary never in this sad quest, 
Seeking with courage that never fails 
The path that leads to fixed stars' trails. 
I hope, twinklers, that some time you 
Will reach the height of fixed stars, too. 
Heaven is crowded with such laws, 
Twinkling away for a great cause. 

Earth has some of these sparklets, too, 

Laboring on for places ; but few 

That gain those places, and stay there, too, 



[20] 



SONG 

The rain is falling, the sky is gray, 
No sun has been shining all the long day, 
Yet in the pecan tree, quite out of sight, 
A sweet bird is singing with all his might. 
Faster the rain falls, louder his song, 
Tweeting, chirping and caroling along. 
No fair weather helper, dear bird, are you ; 
In sunshine or shower, your song rings true, 



[21] 



AUDUBON 

John James Audubon, you loved the birds ; 

You their wonderful music heard; 

Your soul was stirred with their sweet song; 

You labored for them your life long. 

You did not live in vain: you spent 

Life revealing the message sent 

In throats of birds, that stir within 

Nearness to God, loathing for sin. 

For who can hear the wild bird's trill 

Without a thought of God's great will? 



[22] 



FIVE YEARS OLDER 

Gracious Master, good and mild, 
Gaze upon this little child, 
Make him like unto Thee grow, 
Always of Thy Spirit show; 
Living steadfast in the right, 
Always on Thy side to fight. 

Give him light, something to do, 

Teach him to be always true. 



[23] 



GREAT DESIGNER 

Do you know who it is, way back of the skies? 
Beyond the great curtain, before our eyes? 
The Father, who's planning our lives aright, 
Way back of the heavens, beyond our sight. 
Then tremble, my brother, and stand in awe, 
How you live your life, and His great plan mar. 



[24] 



TAM'S PARTY 

I know a little boy so free — 

His birthday came, and he was three. 

Then baby boys and girls, 
With straight hair and with curls, 
All dressed in very best, — 
A birthday party guest. 
The little girls in white 
With ribbon sashes bright, 
The boys in suit and belt 
The girls their equal felt. 
They came in one by one 
Just after mid-day sun. 
Each had a little gift : 
A birthday party with 
Out gifts is not the thing; 
'Tis custom thus to bring, 
They say ; one must not go 
Unless a present show. 
So Tarn had ball and top, 
Books, candy and what not. 
He felt quite proud that day, 
And all were very gay. 
The cake was large and white ; 
Tarn's name was pink and bright ; 
Three candles stood up straight 
On top, each in a plate, 
And way up over head 
[ 25 ] 



A rabbit ; goodies spread 
Below; at every place, 
To decorate and grace, 
By ribbons from her nest 
Held rabbits for each guest; 
And eggs of every shade 
The table gaily made; 
Large cakes tied with a bow, 
For cream, in color show. 

They had an Easter hunt, 
In grass right in the front. 
The two who found the most 
Eggs ; prizes they would boast. 
All were so glad and free 
And merry as could be; 
A brighter day for them 
I think scarce could have been. 
And somehow as I look, 
Into my brain I took 
A notion: that may be 
If angels thus could see 
This happy baby day, 
That all that they would say 
Would be, that in this way 
We learn to love and pray; 
For happiness is best 
For youth. As for the rest 
Of life, a childhood passed 
In love and joy and grass 
[26] 



Is time and labor spent 
Of which you'll not repent. 
For one can never know 
What after-life will show. 
But this you rest content, 
That in a youth well spent 
Prepares the child to grow, 
And easily to flow 
Into a youth and man 
That can all waters span. 



[27] 



BE SATISFIED 

Outwardly, outwardly, all are the same; 
Inwardly, inwardly, who is to blame? 
There is the preacher with satisfied mien; 
Who would believe that he is to blame? 
There is the maid who looks pure and sweet; 
She has cut a poor friend on the street. 
There's the man with standing so good, 
But who can tell what his wife has stood? 
Look at the baby, so glad and gay, — 
Had you awake from night until day. 
Handsome that home, with all gold can buy, — 
Father leaves children and wife to sigh. 
Outwardly, outwardly, glittering and gay, 
Inwardly, inwardly, who will betray? 
Surely we'll have some sunlight or ray, 
But times the clouds hold their sullen sway. 
Believe there's sun, if you'll choose to know, 
For without rain our plants would not grow. 
Stop and remember all this is true, 
Then you'll be satisfied you are you. 



[28] 



UNQUESTIONED 

Our loving Father in mercy will show, 
Soon, very soon, 'tis the right wind to blow. 

Bear me a message over the sea, 
Over the desert, and over the lea, 
Out on the mountains, and out to the plain, 
To happy fountain, and to the rain, 
That God the Father, who made us all so, 
Knows where each wind is intended to go, 
Knows of our heart in its sorrow or joy, 
And that all gold is wrought with alloy. 

But my dear sister and brother alike, 
God surely orders our lives thus aright; 
We have no worry, nor cause to complain, 
Sun is in shadow? Why, then we have rain. 

Listen, just listen to winds that will blow; 
Catch the sweet message in every rainbow. 
'Tis only the way of our life as we go; 
Sun through the rain is what makes the rainbow. 



[29] 



A SAILOR'S WIFE 

The wind is raging — storm at sea ! 
And Jim is out upon the deep. 
The waves are lashing — 'tis hard to be 
A sailor's wife — such watch to keep ! 

All night I've waited on the beach. 
The lightning shows the foam on wave. 
A hope I had: some news might reach, 
Life-boats would go their lives to save. 

I fell asleep and dreamed that how 
My Jim was laid beside me — dead ! 
I wakened with a start, — for thou, 
Bright sun, was shining on my head. 

The rippling waves had gone to sleep ; 
A man lay still upon the sands ; 
The waves were calm upon the deep, — 
But I was wringing both my hands. 



[30] 



PEACE AND GOOD WILL 

When day had hardly just begun, 
A baby's life that morn began. 
Before the rising of the sun, 
The morning star gave light to man. 
The shepherds left their flock, you see, 
To find out where that babe could be. 
The wise men with their gifts of gold 
Followed the star to find their King, 
While angels glad hosannas sing: 
" Peace and Good Will." 

There is a shadow on a hill, 
A shadow of a cross. The sight 
Makes nature bow, and all is still. 
The sun has veiled his face. No light — 
There's darkness, when it should be day, 
Because a king they had to slay. 
His loved ones hover round in grief; 
His mother sees His hands and feet; 
And hanging by His side a thief, 
Who asks, and gains this promise sweet: 
" In Paradise we meet." 

The star! the star! it shines again 
The same, — the bright and morning star. 
It beams upon us just as when 
Those wise men traveled from afar. 

[31] 



'Tis shining now, and brings good cheer 
To all who wish to see it here. 
For hope and gladness rose the day 
That star shown out; and ever since 
He rose above death and decay, 
We own and love Him as our Prince — 
" Of Peace and Good Will." 



[32] 



A SHIP 

O brain, that has such power and might, 

O brain, that is so bold, 

Think well ! — A ship to be — 

That roaring flames or raging storms, 

The icebergs and the cold, 

May not such victory claim from thee, 

Lift up your beacon light. 

This ship you'll build of iron and steel, 

That not a spark may hold, 

Nor cleft it by rough sea. 

When facing gales, or sailing calms, 

In cold or heat untold, 

You'll always weather and be free, 

So light and strong the keel. 

Far out upon the sea so wild 
This ship goes sliding proudly forth. 
Great human lives are in her hold, 
These lives dependent on the child 
Of a clear brain. — Bold thoughts unfold 
To gain a blessing hundredfold. 



[33] 



NATURE'S NUPTIALS 

A lover bold, with piercing eye, 

Came bounding through the frozen air ; 

But suddenly he stopped to sigh — 

He saw a maiden sweet and fair, 

And Winter fell in love at sight 

With Spring, the maid, tender and bright ; 

Forthwith his heart was melted quite. 

His love returned by Spring so true; 

Her mother, Earth, as it is right, 

To seek her daughter, saw the two, 

And gladness warmed her whole heart through, 

And thus all nature pulsed and grew. 

And as the maid maturer grew, 

Her lover saw her blossom forth, 

Nor he, nor anybody knew 

A fairer maid in South or North. 

Glad Spring's to Summer grown, and now, 

Betrothed to Winter, on whose brow 

Wild Autumn's oats you trace, 

Old Father Time says, " Never mind — 

He's stronger now. We'd better set 

The day, — the Months, her comrades kind, 

To serve as maids. For each you'll find 

Six months of Winter's friends in wind." 



[34] 



PERFECTION 

Every petal on the rose 
Makes of it a perfect flower; 
Every little stream that flows 
Swells the lake, or ocean's power. 
Every leaf upon the tree 
Makes for us the summer shade ; 
Tiny though the leaf may be, 
Deeper is the shadow made. 
At the moment of his birth, 
Baby then has formed a part 
Of his family on this earth, — 
Takes his place within the heart. 
Every note upon the scale 
Forms the music that we hear, 
Nor an artist dare to fail 
Strike that note upon the ear. 
And the race of human kind, 
Brothers with a human heart, 
Family in a human mind, 
Each one has a human part. 
Thus a perfect flower make 
A protective shade to show, 
Deeper ocean, or a lake, 
Better family will we know. 
All the notes upon the scale 
Sounding out in joyous song, 
No more discord — none shall rail,- 
Harmony has healed the wrong. 
[35] 



Trust must take the labor hand, 

He, the elder, guide the feet, 

Lead him to a better land; 

Let Trust's heart to Labor's beat. 

And the Socialistic band 

Quench the fire that burns within! 

Love your brother in this land, — 

Sinners never conquered sin. 

Make a family circle now; 

All from East to West join hands; 

Wipe the sin from off your brow ; 

Break from off your heart its bands ! 

Each of us must have a part 

In this glorious Symphony. 

Heart responsive to each heart, 

Onward, lead us, Destiny! 



[36] 



LOVE UNALLOYED 

A little boy was just past two. 
He loved his aunt as very few 
Know how to love in this old earth: 
A love that is of higher birth. 

One day they went to see a friend, 

Politeness he could not pretend; 

The little boy would not come in; 

No baby consent could they win. 

The friend came out to welcome him ; 

He would not greet — a childish whim. 

The aunt's poor hands and skirt were jerked 

To get away; he roughly worked. 

It was a trial, to be sure. 

To gain his love friend tried once more. 

" I love your aunt," she said, and then 

Held out her hands to him again. 

He looked into her eyes and read 

The meaning that her heart betrayed. 

Up stepped the child, no longer shy — 

With outstretched arms and smiling eye, 

Red lips upturned that she might kiss ; 

(A pleasure that she did not miss.) 

'Twas then the thought came home to me, 
How beautiful it was to see 
A love so pure, so sweet, so free, 
Spring up at once between these two ; 

[37] 



Because they must, for well they knew, 
Both loving her, they must love too. 

For love like this I'll always pray ; 

Such friends as these are friends to stay. 

And may such lives be long to love, 

To create more — like that above. 

"Tis nearer to the Father's home, 

With love so sweet : — the Spirit's throne. 



[38] 



UPWARD 

Yes, the world is full of error and of strife, 
And there's only one way out of it through 

life, — 
That is, looking upward, upward, for the light. 

Dear, the world is full of sorrow and of woe, 
And there's only one way that you ought to 

go> — 
That is leading onward, upward! Heart, you 
know. 



[39] 



RETRIEVEMENT 

Silent trees, the winter's rigors 

Leave you stripped, with naught to choose ; 

Stretching up bare arms and fingers, 

You have nothing more to lose. 

So are we in a great sorrow, — 

Naught is left for us to choose ; 

Bare of all, the heart still lingers, 

But nothing now may hurt or bruise. 

God sent Spring, with vernal weather, 

That the sap may quickly rise, 

Clothing all in happy feather, — 

Such a glad and sweet surprise. 

So our hearts 'mid mournful blindness 

May respond to love and kindness. 



[40] 



ETERNITY 

A million stars, — or is it one? 
How was this great old world begun? 
Those many twinkling eyes we see, 
Or is it only two or three? 
A prism causing many hues, 
A thousand colors, reds and blues, 
All scattered, multiplied and real, 
To take them up, we seem to feel. 
Has yon big sun this wonder made, 
Creating light where there was shade? 
And when did you begin to move? 
O moon, whose light can calm and soothe. 
The carrier pigeon and the dove 
Such softness that is born of love, 
Meek sheep, the horse, and gentle cow — 
Such spirits came I wonder how? 
The babe with coo, and gurgle too — 
From whence? What will become of you? 
They say a burning, glowing ball 
Threw out those worlds, both great and small; 
That all whirled round about in space, 
This world, and all the human race. 
How it began — when came the touch ? 
And can you answer, just how much? 
And where will all this wonder end? 
To greater glory does it tend? 
Whither will go the great and true, 
And where the bourne of me and you? 

[41] 



That ball's a burning heart of love, 
Caught from the flame begun above. 
Well, that is how the world began. 
The end ? With love, it never can ! 



[42] 



LIFE 

Light and shade, light and shade — 
That is how your life is made. 
Fair and dark, fair and dark — 
Hoot of owl, song of lark. 
Dull and bright, dull and bright — 
Now in vale, then on height. 
Drear and fair, drear and fair — 
Troubled sore, or without care. 
High and low, high and low — 

Now you're up down you go. 

Old and young, old and young — 
Life is past ere begun. 
Staid and gay, staid and gay — 
With which one, as you may. 
Near and far, near and far — 
Catch a glimpse — the evening star ! 
Hope and fear, hope and fear — 
Now a smile, then a tear. 
On and back, on and back — 
Here the road, there the track. 
Love and hate, love and hate — 
Early one, the other late. 
First and last, first and last — 
'Tis begun, then 'tis past. 
Heaven and earth, heaven and earth — 
Which is of the greater worth? 



[43] 



RESURRECTION 

There is no death. The leaves you see 
Are budding from the lifeless tree. 
The birds are singing. Do you hear? 
The bees come out, they have no fear ; 
The butterfly has burst her shell; 
The ant again is working well; 
The merry brook comes rippling out; 
The sweet green grass begins to sprout. 
The earth's been sleeping for a while, — 
Now breathing, quivering life will smile. 

Awake ! awake ! thou slothful brain, 
Throw off the heritage you gain 
By every mournful funeral dirge. 
Your soul from earth will gently merge 
Into a fuller, deeper tone 
Of harmony till now unknown. 
Arise ! arise ! Swell out the song, — 
Continue it through ages long. 
No tongue nor pen must rest until 
The whole world with this song shall fill. 
Ye cannot die! Live on and on! 
For this is resurrection morn. 



[44] 



BILLY BOY 

A bright-eyed, merry, laughing boy, — 

This world for him meant naught but joy; 

Nor for a moment would he hold 

An angry thought, or malice cold. 

A leader in games of all sorts, 

Pure hearted, and of wholesome thoughts. 

So brave, so strong, and gentle, too. 

To girls, and small boys always true. 

The ladies and the men of course 

Admired him for his grit and force. 

Yes, Bill was all the neighbors' pet, 

And they will love him even yet, 

When other boys have gone away, 

For Billy was so sweet and gay. 

But we are sad now, for you know 
Our Father called for Bill to go 
And live with Him above the skies, 
Well — now I know 'twas no surprise, 
For heaven could not perfect be 
Without a spirit just like he. 



[45] 



WHY? 

The great archer above the sky 
Pierced our hearts, we know not why. 
Why should this one be sorely tried? 
That one be wounded in his pride? 
The happy and the good provoke 
The ire of all the other folk; 
And so the Archer, to appease 
This envy and such hearts release, 
Sends trouble to the innocent: 
They pay the price of mal-content. 



[46] 



THE FAIR SEX 

The little girl that climbs on your knee, 
The fair young wife as sweet as can be, 
The mother with first-born — oh, what joy! 
The mother who loves her bearded boy, 
The grandma who tells stories to all, 
The children who are so very small, 
The auntie who gives presents and sings, 
The sister who does all sorts of things, — 
Each one in place to brighten each spot: 
You're lucky whenever she's of your lot. 
So true and sweet, so gentle, and so 
We're glad to know — she makes the world go. 



[47] 



THE GENTLE ONE 

I say the country has need of thee, 

The fairest maid in this fair country. 

We are all proud to love such as you, 

So good and pure, so gentle and true. 

Wherever I rest my weary head, 

I think of you in prayers that are said. 

I pray the Father to spare you long, 

With me forever a happy song 

That smooths the rough road and brightens 

the dark, 
For thoughts of you will lighten my bark. 



[48] 



TWILIGHT 

The. breath of lingering day 

Has softly passed away. 

Dark night has brought her shroud, 

All still, without a crowd. 

A thousand tapers light 

In silent vigils bright. 

The stars are angels' prayers 

For all the day's sad cares. 

The priest in flowing gown 

His incense casts around; 

The moon, all silver sheen, 

Tells how the day was queen. 

Our day will slowly slip, 
And we shall lose our grip. 
Our night will close around 
Before we hear a sound. 
The silent, passive air 
Is on us unaware. 



[49] 



LOU 

'Way back of my life with its worries and cares, 
'Way back of my heart with its tempest and 

snares, 
There's always and ever the thought of you 
The sweetest and best, truest of true — 
The bitterest anguish, in thoughts of you, — 

Lou. 









[50] 



MEMORY 

There are dresses that she wore, 
The veil, the fur, the coat and hat, — 
I know you've seen them all before, — 
The chair where she so often sat. 

There are the pictures that she chose, 

The glass and painted chinaware, 

The table with its favorite rose — 

But she? Ah! she, Sweet Faith, is where? 

The sun beats in at her window 
To search for one who once was there ; 
The moon creeps up to her pillow 
To gaze upon a face so fair. 

But all must sigh, as oft we pass, 
For one sight of a soul now gone. 
All things are sacred to our lass ; 
The shadow of a soul's brief song. 



[51] 



CHIPPY 

He is only a freckled and towseled up boy, 
He has learned to perfection the art to annoy, 
When his father and I just begin to discuss, 
Why, then Chippy breaks in, and quite soon 

there's a fuss. 
His poor sister a gentleman caller receives ; 
A plan to upset them then our Chippy 

conceives. 
The dear baby has fallen asleep without 

dreams ; 
Chippy will cry aloud, — baby's frightened to 

screams. 
What on earth is to be done with such a bad 

boy? 
With the cat and the cook, to the preacher, 

his toy. 
He's a terrible pest we all know and will say, 
But the day is so dull when that boy is away. 



[52] 



BEDTIME 

The stars are there a-winking 
Right at a boy I know; 
They seem to be a-thinking 
That he to bed should go. 

The great round moon is gazing 
At him with steady eyes ; 
He says, " It's quite amazing 
That every night he cries." 

The trees are now a-bowing 
So dignified and deep, 
The darkness thus allowing 
For them to go to sleep. 

The rose is there a-nodding 
Her head within the gloom; 
She does not need a prodding 
To go to bed so soon. 

The toads are just a peeping 
To see if you're awake; 
They think you are a keeping 
Yourself up very late. 

A little boy's a-blinking — 
The sand-man's late to-night; 
What can he be a-thinking, 
By keeping out of sight? 
[53] 



Blink on, dear eyes, — don't think, 
But go to sleep and dream 
That stars up there will wink, 
And that big moon will beam. 

That they keep watch o'er you 
With eyes so bright and clear, 
Dear trusted friends and true, — 
So sleep and never fear. 



[54] 






TWINS 

They were twin boys, I would have you know; 

They could not help resembling so. 

Their happy laugh and bright, flashing eye, 

Their joyous love for all things near by. 

They would flash out to meet me each eve, 

Each claimed a cheek, each to receive 

His toy or cake; then taking my hand, 

Sits on my knee, and then to the land 

Of Fairy Folks went ; circled my arm, 

I holding them fast, — fearing some harm. 

Then on my shoulder each little head 

Is lost in the maze that dream fairies said. 



One little fellow told me good-night: 
"Dear father, are all angels in white? 
Do all of them have long hair? And why 
Are there no men to live in the sky? 
Would God my Father be good to me, 
Just as you are whenever I see? 
Will there be boys there, happy like girls? 
My head is hot, please push back my curls. 



55 



That night an angel took off my boy. 
Did she have long hair? Did she give joy? 
Great God my Father, grant me this prayer: 
Be to my little son what I would dare. 



[55] 



One knee is empty, one shoulder bare; 
My heart grows cold with longing to share 
His little thoughts, and his hands to hold; 
My arms are aching his form to fold. 



Did you, I wonder, love two at once? 
Then you can never tell how many months 
Can pass o'er one's head, bending low, 
Can send a lost child sprinkling the snow, 
And tracing finger marks all o'er your face. 
I have another, but none for his place. 



[56] 



ACTION 

See the pretty poppies, blooming out their 
lives ; 

Bees are busy working in their well-filled hives ; 

And the healthy baby, how can he be still? 

For the rushing river must the ocean fill. 

All the cattle grazing, as the train speeds by, 

And the constant winging of birds and but- 
terfly. 

Life is constant action, or else time to die, — 

Packing every moment as the days go by. 

Rest just brings stupor, puts the soul to sleep ; 

Action, action, action ! keeps life pure and 
sweet. 



[57] 



A CHRISTMAS TREE 

All the trees are bare, you know ; 
They've been shedding bitter tears 
Dead leaves are the tears that flow, 
Now they realize their fears, 
That a fairer tree than they 
Will surpass them on this day. 
Well they know they can't compare 
With a Christmas tree so fair, 
Nor such Christmas glories flare; 
So they stand out still and stare 
In the biting, freezing air. 



[58] 



LOVER 

Great is the love, great is the law, 
And great his heart without a par, 
To love with love of gods, and then 
Patiently wait for laws of men. 
Heroes of stuff like this are made, 
Subduing self for lovely maid; 
Silently bearing a longing heart ; 
Purposely holding self apart, — 
Nothing to sully her fair name 
Or touch the edge of her dear fame. 
Thus daily, hourly, passing through 
Greatest suffering men e'er knew, 
Judge him harshly, men, if you dare ! 
Could you part of his burdens bear? 
Why did he do it? Why do you 
Love the bright sunlight, flower too? 



[59] 



SOUL'S REWARD 

You say an old lady cannot be fair? 
As fair as maiden with bright golden hair? 
The soft azure of summer's sunny sky 
Looks pale when compared with her bonnie eye. 
The silver-white clouds that roll softly by 
Are like her silk locks, folding years that fly. 
The glow where sunset pervades over cloud 
And paints with pinkness all eve cannot shroud 
Are notes that sing to you upon her face 
Of life, so pure that time shrinks back to trace 
His gory fingers on that whitest rose, 
And leaves them there to bloom in calm repose. 
Our hands that love to feel their sat'ny touch, 
These soft flowers that we do love so much 
To drink the fragrance of their life's perfume 
And press them gently, as we sing a tune: 
The music of a peaceful life serene, 
Made noble by the shifting of each scene 
Upon life's drama, while on earth they pass, 
Reflected by their soul's great looking-glass. 



[60] 



IDLE THOUGHTS 

While I go idling in the realms of thought, 
Plucking from all that nature has wrought, 
Everything scented with love's perfume, 
Turned to the melody of hearts in tune, 
It seems to me that only this part 
Is left of all the world's great heart. 



[61] 



BETTER DAY 

Be quiet, my heart, and stop beating so ; 

The birds of the air have somewhere to go. 

Winter is coming, and on they will fly 

To lands of sunshine and pleasant sky. 

So will you, doubter, if trusting like they, 

Reach to the land of a brighter day. 



[62] 



THOUGHT 

There's a speck on the calm of that beautiful 

space, 
'Way above the great arch, a small blot I can 

trace. 
I must tear it away, or I may not know peace. 
Such a mar to fair scenery, indeed that must 

cease. 
Ah, What ! Is this speck such a beautiful tree, 
With glorious leaves, and blossoms so free ! 
Great wonderful branches' full grace I can see. 
Large white bowls are the blossoms, with light 

and dark green — 
Leaves, — all shining out large, and with fine 

glossy sheen. 
Perched high in the air, with throat swollen in 

song, 
Feathers trembling in rapture, his joy quiver- 
ing long, 
Such a dear little bird, scarlet bright, within 

sight, 
Singing head upward to the sky, blue and so 

white. 

Climbing to the full top of a mountain so high, 
Looking down with delight, — and pray what 

did I spy? 
Splendid bird, very huge, poised there ready 

for flight, 

[ 63 ] 



Glorious shining without, brilliant gold, and 

half white. 
Time dragged on me too lazy, the distance too 

long, 
I must dash out my brains to catch that bird's 

sweet song. 

It is well. — Do you know what 'twas greeted 

my sight, 
Closing roughly from primrose the wonderful 

light? 
A' great, rough, ugly boulder, weathered, old 

and much scarred, 
All cut over with letters, its rough surface so 

marred ; 
As I gazed with disgust at the great bulgy 

thing 
Came the thought of my red-bird; his rapture 

did bring 
Me a thought, sitting there with my eyes on 

the ground, 
While his carol went through me : — Look up 

and not down. 



[64] 



GIVE 

Whether 'tis naught, whether 'tis more, 

Whether you're rich, whether you're poor, 

There's hardly a thing that's left in life 

But daily worry, hourly strife. 

Yet there's a hope, and I believe 

That in privation we must give, 

If we would gain the rich reward 

Of victory after working hard. 

It may be less, it may be more, — 

Give just according to our store. 

The great, high Judge, in weights of men 

Knows what you've done, and how and when, 

It matters little what men think; 

Water of Life is for you to drink. 

So when you're tired and sore oppressed, 

Then give, and gain your needed rest. 



[65] 



MY FATHER 

A cheerful heart, a happy face, 
And eyes of sunny azure hue, 
A noble spe'men of a race, 
So loyal, manly, pure and true. 
A godly man, of godly race, 
A man as nature knows but few, 
With open, honest, manly face. 
He gives to each man all his due. 
A man who's true to noblest life, 
Has conquered all the meaner heart, 
Still striving to the end of life, 
A victor for the better part. 



[66] 



A SCARLET FEVER CASE 

A little girl, a happy child, 

Felt in a whirl; she went to bed; 

A burning fever, fierce and wild, 

Took hold of her and turned her head. 

The doctor and the nurse soon came. 

" She's plump and healthy, never mind ; 

All children must pass through the same, 

She'll soon be up, as }^ou will find ; 

A scarlet fever case, you know." 

And then how she did fret and kick, 
Which only made the fever grow, 
And caused the blankets so to stick 
That all of them she'd throw aside: 
To keep her covered — it was not 
An easy task, for she had tried 
To jump from bed, — it was so hot. 

A month they kept her tightly so. 
The other children were all told 
That near her room they must not go, — 
Her illness from them to withhold. 

Her father came three times a day, 
With dimes and kisses and a smile, 
To whisper " Courage !" and to say, 
" I love my girlie all the while." 

[67] 



The mother would forever plump 
The pillows up, and cool the brow. 
The slightest move — to see her jump! 
"What is the matter with you now?" 

Five girls they had beside, you know, 
But they were well as they could be, 
So to the ill all love must flow 
Until she should be well and free. 
At last the child sat up in bed, 
With pillows back of her so soft, 
Well ! — such a smile as father had ; 
The doctor nodded and he coughed; 
The mother sang, the mother cooed, 
As if a baby had just come; 
She even seemed to love the food 
When girlie's appetite begun. 

One day while sitting up in bed, 

A sister just next her in age, 

While quite alone, slipped up and said, 

" We've had a whole month's holiday. 

But I missed you, it was no fun. 

Tell me, when will you get out, pray? 

They're mean to keep you from the sun. 

Say! May has made your doll some clothes, 

And fixed her up so nice and fine; 

And Nell has made some little bows 

To trim a robe for you in time 

[68] 






To sit up comfy in your chair. 

And sister has a scrap-book, too, 

With pictures that are bright and fair; 

She said she'd fixed it all for you. 

And I have saved for a long time 

Fine colored glass and shells and sweets. 

Oh ! do get well ; you're looking fine ; 

And then we'll give you all our treats. 

Good-bye, I'll have to hurry out; 

They must not see me, but you know 

I had to see you, or I'd shout, 

And that would make your fever grow." 

The father came and lit the light ; 
Annette called him and whispered low; 
He kissed her lips and held her tight, 
And just as he began to go 
Said, " Nurse, whenever you must leave 
The room, be kind enough to close 
The door. This message to them give, 
That Anne is in a sweet repose." 

And when this girl was safe and sure, 
The father's face shone in the street; 
His friends were glad for this great cure,- 
'Twas such good news for them to greet. 
One friend brought her a flax-haired doll 
For taking all the doctor gave ; 
Another gave a pretty shawl. 

[69] 



One morning when father was late, 

The sick one was led forth by him ; 

Such a sensation this did make, — 

Their happiness, full to the brim. 

To table gaily she was led. 

" She'll have the first choice, don't you know, 

We're glad she's back again," they said. 

" Annette is queen in our tableau, 

And she must lead in every game; 

She has to have our father's hand." 

Annette thought illness, just the same, 

As journeying through Fairyland. 

And so, my little ones, you see 
That being ill has its bright side. 
All hearts beat true to you ; so be 
Quite good when fever must abide. 



[70] 



PSYCHE 

Dear little Psyche, pray what do you see 

In that clear pool, looking back unto thee? 

Fairies? Gay Princes? and Kings without 

care ? 
Trooping by millions to view one so fair? 
Sweet little Cupids, with bows in mid-air, 
Flashing their arrows at your waving hair? 
Old men, and women, and small children, too? 
Gaping, all open-mouthed, gazing at you? 



[71] 



DREAM CHILDREN 

Little dream children, I wonder if you 
Look quite so sweet as the real children do? 
Showing such wondrous care, and fond pride, 
Sending their offsprings at evening to ride? 
My little dream children, I'm sorry that you 
Don't show the care that those real children do. 



[72] 



. 



OUR NATION 

Great is the nation, great the name, 
For dear Peace from war can refrain. 
Hold hands up, and proudly proclaim 
This is our banner we wave for fame: 
Peace — Record of highest esteem, 
Worth great honor, by nation's seen. — 
So, here's to Wood Wilson! and here's to his 

head! 
May his children and ours never want bread ! 



[73] 



SURRENDER 

I am not good at all, 
By far enough for Him, 
And yet He seems to call 
The best from me within. 

I am not high at all, 
By far enough to see, 
And yet He seems to call 
Forth blossoms on a tree. 

I am not great at all, 
By far a place to fill, 
And yet He seems to call 
Me higher, higher still. 

I am not fit at all, 
By far His life to live, 
And yet He seems to call, 
Just yielding of a will. 

Great God ! Can that be all 
This life on earth consists? 
To climb that great, high wall 
And see beyond the mist? 

They why should I not strive, 
Accept His gentle hand, 
To mould my little life 
According to His plan. 
[74] 



Here, Lord, I give Thee all, 
All, all that is not mine ; 
Whatever may befall, 
Thou art mine, I am Thine. 



[75] 



PRESIDENT WILSON 

Mr. Woodrow Wilson, I bow to you, 
To your ugly face and eyeglass too ; 
For behind those lens is thought intent; 
That lined face is on wisdom bent, 
Traced with rivers of silent thought, 
Made deep with will of iron wrought ; 
And o'er all is your great spirit to brood, 
Chastened by sorrow, for all human good. 
Of great men like you our nation is proud: 
Washington, Lincoln, and Wilson's the crowd. 



[76] 



GOOD-NIGHT 

Good-night, little birdie, good-night ; 
Fold in your wings so bright, 
Tuck in your head, 

Then go to bed, 
Till wee morning dawn, 
With your merry song, 
Will welcome the broad day-light. 

Good-night, little baby, good-night; 
Recline your limbs so light, 
Tuck down your head, 
Then go to bed, 
Till coming of day, 
With all bright and gay, 
Will greet you, the bright sun-light. 



[77] 



TOO TIRED TO PRAY 

Tell me, is it really wrong to say 
That I am tired, so tired to-day? 
Tired of work, and tired of play, 
And tired, yes, even too tired to pray. 

I have tried to be brave, good and true, 
Keep up my spirits the whole day through; 
But 'tis hard to keep from being blue 
When you are too tired your pardon to sue. 

I have cooked the meals for all of them, 
And mended the clothes for Sam and Ben, 
So that the boys to school I might send 
To fit them to become wise, good men. 

I have rocked the baby till she's asleep, 
And around the house I softly creep, 
Trying to tidy and dust and sweep, 
And make the house so clean and neat. 

I fed the bird for little Grace, 
To brighten up her little pale face ; 
I have put some flowers in a vase, 
For a happy smile to brighten her face. 

My poor, wee invalid, so good and mild, 
How my heart yearns over that sweet child; 
The rest are merry, healthy and wild, 
But the light of heaven is in her smile. 

[78] 



Garden needs tending, boys haven't time, 
For they have lessons, and work is behind; 
The wood needs chopping, and then sometimes 
Boys like to earn for mother a dime. 

May's dress must be altered for the ball, 
For Mary's the eldest, the pride of all; 
She coaches children that on her call, 
And one is now waiting in the hall. 

Dinner is served to the hungry boys, 
Who are bright and good, but oh ! such noise. 
The baby is crying for her toys, 
That are broken, and thus have spoiled her 
joys- 

The dishes are washed. — I try to rest, 
But the boys have torn baby's new dress ; 
They were playing, — but boys, you may guess, 
Are not gentle — oh, they do their best. 

When I finished mending baby's dress, 
I heard my sick one in deep distress ; 
The pain is getting quite bad, I guess ; 
So to sooth my child I do my best. 

And when her pinched and tear-stained face 
Lies pensive and sad in its usual place 
Upon my breast, a sweet comfort I trace 
In the love of my angel child, Grace. 

[79] 



Yet there is a pile of stockings to darn; 
They must be ready for Sunday morn. 
Baby is cold, I must get her warm, 
And put her to sleep with a long, long song. 

We both fall asleep, so tired, I say, — 
Me of my work, she of her play. 
We have both reached the end of our day, 
And I am tired, yes, too tired to pray. 

As I lay my weary, worthless head 
(That aches, and feels as heavy as lead) 
Upon the soft pillow of my bed, 
I am so tired : — - my prayers are unsaid. 

But I 'dreamed I saw my husband's face, 
Full of yearning, love and tender grace ; 
His hand in mine he gently placed, 
And showed me heaven in quiet haste. 



I saw my dear Father sitting there, 
And angels around with waving hair, 
Singing hymns so sweet and clear, — 
Surprised I was, but did not fear. 

As he took me along so very near, 
My own sad face did there appear, 
And down my cheek there fell a tear, 
For my poor, weak voice I could hear. 

[80] 



" But I was too tired to pray," I said, 

My Father heard me, and then He laid 

A lovely crown upon my head: 

" Wear this for prayers that are not unsaid. 

" I heard your prayers, my poor, weary one ; 
Each moment, as the day went along, 
I saw your quiet victories won; 
Your prayer was finished when the day was 
done." 



[81] 



WHICH ONE 

Now which of you I love the best? 
Better, greater, or less degree? 
Which of the two? I must confess 
I can't for all my life yet see. 

One has hair of golden hue, 
The other eyes of deepest blue; 
One with gentle, sweet caress, 
The other proud, with love not less ; 
One is open, candid and bright, 
The other sweet, and always right; 
One takes your love and fastens there, 
One slips her fingers in your hair; 
And so I love them both, you know, — 
Those girls in all their healthy glow; 
One has the best that I can see, 
The other, what I've longed to be. 

Those happy, good, and faithful girls, 

As bright and glad as summer day; 

And I would give great worlds, and worlds, 

To keep their love for aye and aye. 



[82] 



RIXFORD LINCOLN 

Do you know him, this poet man? 

He's gentle and mild as cloistered nun 

Sheltered away from glaring sun. 

Pure as a child, without the guile ; 

Quiet and kind all of the while; 

Full of his church, full of his dreams. 

Evil is clothed, for good to him seems. 

Look in his face, and then you'll see 

Meekness, perchance, all good that be. 



[83] 



TO GEORGE 

Holy Spirit, knowest Thou of our poor, weak 
human frame? 

Canst Thou suffer to allow our stained lips to 
breathe Thy name? 

Heavenly Father, canst Thou hear our com- 
plaints and bitter wail? 

Wilt Thou evermore appear unto us so weak 
and frail? 

What are we, that we utter our poor fears and 
foolish sighs ? 

Thou, O God ! dost know the better, surer path 
for us to rise. 

Rise as conquerors unto Thee, high above this 
mortal coil, 

More than conquerors yet to be, as our pilgrim- 
age we toil. 

Faith on wings of love we fly, to be nearer 
at Thy side, 

Struggling for the place on high, and our life 
in Thee to hide. 

Fear not, my tired brother; lift your head 

again and rise 
To that Love, beyond another, calling you 

above the skies, — 
Calling yet, and pleading you, wearing still 

your guilt to-day; 

[84] 



He alone it was who knew, all along and all the 
way. 

We are weak, sinful ever ; but for God that bit- 
ter price, — 

All our stains shall have the cover of the blood 
of Jesus Christ. 



[85] 



PRAYER FOR ALICE 

Holy Father, come Thou near to me in this 

trying hour ; 
Pour on me some sweet power, conquer in me 

all my fear, 
So that I may gladly bear all the burden on 

me here 
Without murmur or complaint. Be Thou near 

me should I faint. 
This is all I ask or dare ; this is all I wish or 

care. 
Do with me just as Thou would; Father, hear 

me in this prayer. 
Send Thou me a listening ear. Bring Thy 

presence very near 
In this moment, ere my fear, conquer all I know 

or hear. 
Blessed Savior, then in peace give my beating 

heart release, — 
All its bondage, doubt and fear, as I draw me 

nearer, near, 

To my Savior, dearest, dear. 



[86] 



MY WORLD 

My earth, I wonder if you shine out bright, 
Cheering others through a long winter night? 
Do you rise faithful at morn or at eve, 
Giving comfort that they would receive? 
Or do you point for the sailors at sea 
Safety in voyage, for all to agree? 
My world, I love you, if you do all this, — 
Ceaseless in duty that you never miss. 



[87] 



LIFE FULFILLED 

Gladly the brook, in a shady nook, 

Gently flows to the river, 

Happy the maid, just as unafraid, 

Softly goes to her lover. 

The rippling brook her fern bed forsook 

For life with rushing river : 

The dimpling maid, in luxury laid, 

Is glad in arms of lover. 



[88] 



COMMON LOT 

A sad little face streaked with woe, 
A white wrinkled face lined with care, 
A thin withered face, furrowed so, 
A pale weasened face, with white hair. 

The finger of time's hard at work, 
With all that makes life not a j oke ; 
The weak or strong may not shrink : 
'Twill come to us all, — common folk. 



[89] 



CLOUDS 

The day was warm and dark and tense; 
I looked without to see from whence 
Such feelings came. There, spreading wide, 
Were clouds, the blue of sky to hide. 

Those clouds like sullen demons rose; 
To close the light of day they chose, 
As stealthfully they crouch and spring 
Upon the scene, and also bring 
Such terror to our hearts to hear 
The angry voice of thunder near; 
To see the lightning flash in eye, 
While black clouds swiftly pass the sky. 

I went within to seek repose 
From these dark elements that rose ; 
My heart reflected this dark sight, 
And all my thoughts were black as night. 

When I rose and looked again, 

The clouds had changed to white, and then 

I gazed, — for there, by eyes or thought, 

Those clouds so dark, by some cloud art, 

Grew into angels' forms so fair, 

With flowing robes and glistening hair; 

Their hands were pointing over there ; 

I never saw a sight more fair. 

[90] 



Just what was meant for me to see? 
And would you know? The secret's free, 
The sky was blue on yonder end! 
Enough! The angels slowly bend 
Their forms and disappear from view. 
A thought came to me that was true, 
And swiftly passed to my review : 

Clouds may lower, storms may arise, 
But like the clouds, if you will try 
To be happy or to be wise, 
Look for the blue within your sky. 



[91] 



NEWSBOYS 

O little newsboy, with your sad, wan face, 
Those ragged clothes, and dirt, and jaunty 

grace, — 
You hop on car and you hop off again, 
So swift and supple your agile, slight frame ; 
Your eyes, poor eyes, so wise, so sad with fears, 
So brilliant, caused by fighting back your tears ; 
A look defiant, now pensive and sad, 
You're wishing for all that other boy had. 
At night when's time to creep to bed, do you say 
Your prayers to the Father in that boy's way? 
Does mother so snugly tuck you into bed, 
And kiss you and love you when prayers are 

said? 
Does father come near, and bend o'er with joy, 
So proud he has such a fine little boy? 

Ah ! little newsboy, your battle and strife 
Came o'er you so soon, depriving your life 
Of all that is blessed and dear to this earth, 
A home and dear parents that love you from 
birth. 

Speak to him, will you, on car or on street, 
A smile or a word as you happen to meet? 
'Twill help him a bit, this kindness to show ; 
His life is so barren and rough, you know. 

[92] 



SUNSET 

The sunset is red; then I hear it is said 
There is rain in the clouds for the morn; 
When we see at sunrise that there's black in 

the skies, 
Then the day truly ends with a storm. 
Is our world at her dawn? Is it only just 

born ? 
Has her sunset the after-glow shed? 
There's deep red in the sky, who can tell why? 
Is it daybreak, or sunset's last red? 
Who will sacrifice life in a terrible strife? 
Heaven points to the leaders of men. 
Nor will one to his foe boldly white courage 

show, 
Shoulder cross, which is peace, — its emblem. 
Wave the banner of truce, and bear all the 

abuse ; 
'Tis far braver for brave men to yield, — 
So to conquer their fight, if their reason says 

right, 
When impulse, and the blood, calls to field. 
All the world knows that might rarely ever is 

right ; 
In this age, with its progress, 'tis least. 
And if dark be our night, trust our day to be 

bright, 
If the sun cast no red in the east ; 
But if sunrise is lead, there is dark night ahead, 

[93] 



And the light may not come with the day. 

Let us wave this cloud past, that our sunset 

may cast 
A white flag that floats Peace for a day. 



[94] 






TWO GIRLS 

Two little girls full of laughter, 

Two hearts overflowing with love, 

Living their lives for hereafter, 

To meet their dear Father above. 

Two little souls pure and spotless, 

With clean minds so clear and so bright, 

Trying their best to be faultless, 

To live with the angels of light. 

Two little humans so cheery, 

Two little maids sweet and fair, 

Free as the birds, and so merry, 

Not burdened with sin nor with care. 

Two little darlings, God bless you, 

And keep you from care and from harm ; 

May you have strength, dears, to smile 

through, 
When clouds gather round for a storm. 



[95] 



TULIPS 

Dear little tulips, give me a sip, — 
Silver cup, gold goblet, and red lip, — 
Holding full measure of honey and dew, 
Drinking in sunshine from skies so blue, 
When the clouds gather, angry to sight, 
Quickly your cup closes up tight, 
For plain water is not to your taste; 
Its simple touch destroys you in haste. 
Gladness and laughter you'll only hold ; 
With this you're free and dashingly bold, 
Lifting your cups in long slender arms, 
Full to the brim with your brilliant charms, 
This is your mission; to cheer and give 
Pleasure and happiness while you live. 



[96] 



AUTUMN 

Winter is whispering in the breeze 
To gorgeous flowers and graceful trees, 
Get ready, get ready, for Autumn gay 
Is the time we have for Rally Day. 
You must listen to all that I say. 
See ! Everyone's gathering up the hay. 
Apples are falling, and grapes appear; 
Summer is dying, for don't you hear 
Her bitter sighing? She's tired to death 
With so much work, she's out of her breath. 
She does not want you, don't stick to her, 
See ! She's leaving you. Does it occur 
That some one must care and comfort you? 
I am the person, and that she knew. 
If you don't listen to my first call, 
I'll speak again, and that will be all. 
Then I will come with thunder and storm; 
If you don't mind me, I'll do you harm, 
Though I come last of all of the year, 
Come I with blast, if you will not hear. 
I am your friend, if you'll only see 
How rest to everyone will agree. 
So heed to my kindness now, for it will be said 
Must deal with you harshly; can't be led. 
Come, little flowerets, and you, dainty leaves, 
Drop from your stemlets, and from your trees. 
Winter is whispering that you must rest. 
Listen to him, and do what is best. 

[97] 



King Winter has force ; he will soon show 

Who is ruler, and who ought to know. 

See, the birdies are flying away ; 

They have all heard what he has to say. 

Go to bed sweetly, and don't you cry; 

Summer's coming again, by and by. 

Your poor little heads are drooping low, 

Your friends are all dancing here below. 

Why be so stubborn, holding so fast? 

You're surely going, why be the last? 

You'll miss the party, Rally Day too. 

Why don't you listen to friends so true? 

Then be determined, and all you'll gain 

Is thunder, storm, and plenty of rain, 

And down you'll drop to the edge of the bed, 

Mourning the troubles for the life you've led. 



[98] 



HEART 

Kiss me for this, and kiss me for that, and love 

me all you will ; 
My heart's been starving; you'll never fill 
Its empty and aching and hollow void — 
It's thirsting, panting, for souls in accord. 
No, never stop with your love and caress, 
I could not live now with anything less. 
Give me full measure of all that is sweet, 
Let me this treasure of happiness keep, 
I have had my full share of all of the rest, 
Now I must ask for all love that is best. 
My heart has been squeezed from its rightful 

part; 
Give it its birthright; Great Love, a Great 

Heart. 



[99] 



THOUSANDS DEAD IN THE FIELD 

The birds will sing, the stars will shine, 
And the cows will graze in the field; 

Flowers will bloom and trees will bear, while 
Thousands are dead in the field. 

Young men will wed, maidens will smile, 
And children will play in the field ; 

Babies will crow, young folks will dance, while 
Thousands are dead in the field. 

Negroes will sing, the band will play, 
With cotton and cane in the field; 

Hearts will beat with happiness sweet, while 
Thousand lie dead in the field. 

This world was made for full life, 
Not for battle and terrible strife. 

There is no death 'tis truly said ; 

We live and laugh forever instead. 



[100] 



■ IP I— I 



WILSON ENGAGED 

You'll take yourself a wife indeed! 

No more for you the widower's weed. 

Well 'tis best that this should be, 

For man must have some company. 

Man does not care to be alone, 

A fairer one should grace his home. 

So that is why our president 

Quickly is on marrying bent. 

So here's to your long-chinned phiz, 

And here's to your wife, two ; " gee whiz." 



[101] 



WEEPING WILLOW 

The light willow weeping 
Like some maiden in tears, 

Thus tenderly keeping 

A heart beating with fears. 

So gently she stands, 

So slenderly tall, 
Well dressed by deft hands, — 

Her debut at ball. 

All garbed in soft drapery 
Of gown, softest silk; 

All flowing in tapery, — 
Her flesh, whitest milk. 

Soft hair in lightest coil 
On nape of fair neck, 

Clinging curls that so foil 
The brush cannot check. 

Then covering it all, 

Light, graceful to curve, 

A long fringed, silk shawl, 
Her flesh to preserve. 

This fragile young maiden, 

Of delicate mould, 
In youth heavy ladened 

With favors untold. 
[102] 



All grace and all beauty, 
You're ready to start, 

For world's care and duty 
You'll take your sweet part, 



[103] 



THE GREAT TEACHER 

Great is the lesson, and great the reward, 
That we were taught in the life of our Lord. 
Patience in suffering and calmness in wrath, 
Faithfully traveling the straight narrow path. 
Say! Of all teachers, which one can excel? 
The lesson in object He taught so well? 



[104] 



NEGROES 

The negroes are singing and playing the band. 
They are happy in spite of their color and clan. 
Why should they worry, grieve and complain? 
The Father has done it, and they love His 
name. 



[105] 



WIND 

Wind, with your power, wind, with your might, 
Wind, with your force, and wind with your 

height ! 
What is the damage you cannot do? 
What is the trouble you cannot brew? 
Blowing and blowing, blowing again, 
Carrying with you snow or hard rain. 
You roar and whistle, you bellow, scream; 
You rattle, you rumble, you rock and you bend, 
Havoc and damage, losses you send. 
While you are singing your boisterous song, 
We know surely our fence will go wrong. 
Trees, roofs, posts, poles, and houses as well, 
Fall to your music in tunes that swell. 
Thus you bring havoc, sorrow and grief. 

Why so delight in such ruffian fete, 
When you can be so gentle and sweet? 



[106] 



LITTLE BOOK 

Go, little book, go if you will ! 

Tell troubled hearts to wait and be still, 

For rain and clouds must pass away ; 

The sun will shine again as gay. 

We must have clouds and rain some day ; 

So be like the sun, just shine and stay. 



[107] 



TREASURE 

Way out in the world of pleasure, 

Way out in the world of great thought, 
There's someone holding a treasure, 

To me I am sure 'twill be brought. 
Find it in books and in monthlies, 

In papers, in words and in smiles, 
Comes from all over the countries, 

'Twill travel for miles upon miles. 
This treasure is love, and the spirit 

Of kindness to weak and oppressed ; 
All science and art cannot kill it, 

Clothed in robes that angels are dressed. 
No matter where you may go, dear, 

Matters not who is your guest, 
To you it is sure to appear, 

If you diligently go in its quest. 
We find what we look for, darlings, 

If diamonds, or tar-covered stones. 
So start out early the mornings 

Right here in your separate homes, 
And get the treasure to have, dear, 

In books, or a smile, or the press ; 
The key to it you will find, dear, 

In your heart, your mind, and no less. 



[108] 



WHAT THE CHILDREN SAY 

The road is hardest clay, 
The dust is deep and dark, 

And when it rains all day, 
Such mud! High water mark! 

'Tis sand, the great desert. 
Water, our great blue sea. 
That's clay? It is the dirt, 
To make mud pies, you see; 
The very finest road 
Of all the world around. 
How could the frog or toad, 
Live on another ground? 

That's what the children say. 

The sparrows make their nests 
In drain-pipes and in eaves ; 

They are such little pests, 
Such vagabonds and thieves. 

They are such friendly birds, 
So brave and unafraid. 
What king you've ever heard 
Bird's nests in their house made? 
They sing such short sweet songs, 
They are so cute and brown, 
They're with you all day long, 
And all the year around. 

That's what the children say. 
[109] 



Such gallery rockers those! 

They'll turn you on your head ; 
The straight chairs on your nose,- 

They'll land you there instead. 

Oh, they are milk-white steed, 
With golden bridle reins. 
The other chairs we need 
To ride upon the train 
That crosses Silver Bridge, 
Spanned o'er the River Gold. 
We're going to the ridge 
Of Fairy Land of old. 

That's what the children say. 

I never saw a place ! 

Such broken glass and tin ! 
I hate to show my face 

On outside or within. 

Why, we have diamonds here, — 
Rubies ! opals ! sapphires ! 
With gold and silver dear, 
Flashing with lights and fires. 
We serve you cakes and pies; 
They are not made of dirt; 
They're thick, and of great size ; 
They're custard; 'twill not hurt. 
That's what the children say. 

[110] 



The children have to wear 

Such cheap and common clothes 

That do so quickly tear, 
And darning always shows. 

Why, mother, don't you know 
We live in Fairy Land? 
There darning does not show ! 
Come, take us by the hand. 
See all the silken clothes? 
With velvet, lace around ; 
None are as fine as those ; 
Just hear their rustling sound ! 
That's what the children say. 

Their food is always plain, 
No cake, no fancy dish; 

A better fare I fain 

Would have. 'Tis my wish. 

Such lovely bread, I'm sure 
'Tis angel's food, I know. 
The water is so pure 
It has a nectar glow. 
No prince in all the realm 
Lives better than we do, 
With mother at the helm 
Providing for us few. 

That's what the children say. 

[mi 



They have to work so hard 
Their lessons to prepare, 

While on their monthly card 
High marks are very rare. 

I cannot work this sum ; 
I will not bother, though 
To-night the elves will come 
And make it right, I know. 
The words are hard to spell, 
Grammar's so hard to learn. 
Well, never mind, I'll tell 
Fairies to take their turn. 

That's what the children say, 

I wonder if they will 

Be good and noble men? 

And women who will fill 
Their places well? Amen. 
• • • • 

The time has passed long since 

I wrote these little lines ; 

It makes me often wince 

To see the age's signs. 

My hair is thin and white, 

I'm weak and bent with age ; 

I'm not a pretty sight, 

Nor am I a great sage. 



[112] 



I hear a tramp of feet. 
My boys are tall and strong. 
My girls are tall and sweet; 
And they to me belong. 

Here comes the Fairy Band 
To greet their Fairy Queen ; 
She's first in all the land 
To every one we've seen. 
Here are our gifts we lay 
In homage at her feet, 
And many another day 
This birthday may she meet. 
Our queen's the fairest maid 
This country e'er could boast. 
Our garlands all are laid 
To be her birthday toast. 
Such hair, as soft as silk, 
Above a noble brow, 
With flesh as white as milk ; 
Such shapely hands ; I trow ! 
The fairest of the fair, — 
We bow in reverence now. 
This is our greatest care, 
That she may show us how 
To climb the highest stair, 
To gain the top, just how. 

That's what my children say, 



[113] 



THE BLESSED 

Gentle, so gentle, and sweet as a rose, 

Pair as a lily that any wind blows, 

Bright as a buttercup, with yellow hair, 

Fresh as a daisy anywhere, 

With eyes speaking truth as the blue above, 

Heart beating true to every love. 

She stepped from her home to the curb below, 

To enter her limousine so. 

Just as the chauffeur swung open the door 

A woman came up, so miserably poor. 

She paused to listen to her tale of woe, 

Seemed so touched her sufferings to know ; 

Then gentle pressed within stretched, 'pealing 

palms 
Her silver used for giving alms. 
" God bless you ! " rose from parched lips, 
" I'll pray for you this night till my tongue rips. 
Till weakened, rough, for power to say 
All that I wish for your happy young day." 
Thus as the creature slid trembling along, 
I heard the tenor of her song: 
" An angel she is of realms of bright light. 
'Tis fair she is to gladden one's sight. 
I know the sweet Mary or Jesus her Son 
Wore no fairer faces than this one." 

A week or two after I passed the place. 
There a funeral was taking place. 

[114] 



I stopped to watch the sad and solemn sight, 
A bier it was of purest white, 
Long and narrow, and all covered above 
With garlands placed by hands of love. 

Beside me standing with bowed head, 

The woman who begged for her daily bread. 

" She died of fever, they all say, — 

The fever she caught from me on that day. 

I hope I may meet her sweet face, 

For such as she is not an earthly race. 

She was taken, and I am here 

To watch them carry out her sweet young 

bier, — 
She with all that life held dear, 
I who am full of strife and bitter fear. 
Yet they say that God knows the best. 
She's come unto her own, the chosen blest." 



[115] 



DEATH 

Can't we carry her away from Death? 
Take her and run off, with bated breath? 
Snatch her fair form, dash quickly away 
Before Death has time a word to say ? 
Yes, if we could — if we could, — 

Can't you smother him as he draws near ? 
Crush him away from one we hold dear? 
Can't some one fight him, then run away 
Before his cold fingers on her lay? 

Yes, if we could — if we could, — 

Ah ! Death is one that we cannot slay 
And to him we can never say nay. 
Grim Death will come, and we all must go, — 
While we must bow, and then take it so. 
That's all we can do — we can do. 

There is no death for those who will pray; 
His sting will pass to a better day. 
There is no grave ; its victory lay 
With Jesus, who bore the Cross that Day. 



[116] 



LITTLE STREAM 

Flow, little stream, flow on, 
Where other streams have gone ; 
Chase the brook, whip the creek, 
Ripple on many a week. 
Dash o'er cliff, creep through vale, 
Rush o'er rocks with loud wail, 
Wash the face clean of that mighty height, 
Shower baths give those down beyond sight. 
Trickle down slowly from unseen lift, 
Spreading your whiteness like flour we sift, 
Always downward you ever will go, 
Down to the very lowest of low. 
First going slowly, then very swift, 
Carrying fragments of logs and drift, 
Giving a helping hand to the poor, 
Supplying warmth when winter is sore, 
Cleansing, refreshing all as you go, — 
Your sweet mission to lowest of low. 
At last to the great old ocean's heart, 
You're clasped to his breast: your reward 
sought. 



[117] 



LITTLE TREE 

Grow, little tree, way upward you go, 
To gaze at stars, their brilliant show. 
Grow up and dust the clouds from the sky, 
Tell the small stars they must not be shy, 
Laugh at the moon with pale, sickly face, 
Tell him that soon he may lose his place ; 
Say that you'll catch him, looking for soon 
A black veil to hide his face, the moon. 
Then he'll get better, throw off his veil, 
When he around the heavens will sail. 
Then you'll play peek-a-boo with the moon, 
Catching his glances, late, and now soon. 
Twinkle your spangles back at the stars, 
They not alone can practice such laws. 
Soon the great sun you'll gladly embrace; 
Knowing you're conquered, earth is your place, 
Bowing submissive to his mighty power, 
Drinking gladly his warming shower, 
Turning your bangles to look in his face, 
Deepening your tone, for such is the case. 
Grow, little tree, and pierce the blue mist, 
Glad with knowledge that heaven you've kissed. 



[118] 



DADDY CAN UNDERSTAND 

When all are around the sitting room, 
Talking and laughing at what is said, 
Then nine o'clock right before us will loom. 
Mother says, " Children must go to bed." 
We have to leave then, and go out alone, 
Up those dreadful, long, hallway stairs 
Into a dark room, to cry and moan, 
Because we're not grown; can't put on airs. 
We reach near the top of those long steps, 
Then we sit down ; through the transom peep 
At them laughing, and moving their lips. 
Our daddy looks up, and catches us peep; 
So he just quietly leaves the room, 
Walks up to meet us, and takes our hand : 
" Here, young folks ought to go to bed soon, 
Or they'll not live long upon this land." 
He lights the gas ; beside us will sit ; 
Tells us stories of his boyhood's day ; 
When we are sleeping, then he will quit — 
" It's pretty tough for them," he will say. 
Our daddy can understand. 

When sometimes we go out for a walk, 
So proud with our big daddy to be, 
A boy will pass, while in the park — 
He's skating f Our eyes follow to see. 
Next day when we have come home from school, 
We get a box, and what do you think? 

[119] 



Just what we've wanted has come so soon, 
Before we had time to even wink. 

Our daddy can understand. 

Sometimes when we are late home from school 

Mother gets worried, telephones dad; 

He says, " Don't worry, thej^'ve broke some 

rule, 
So you had better not be so sad." 
When we return, he looks at us stern, 
And says, " You've had fun, but had to pay — 
I hope, from now a lesson you'll learn, 
For it's no fun at school thus to stay." 
Our daddy can understand. 

When you are lazy and sit around, 
He calls you to him ; your pulse he feels ; 
On your chest he will thump for a sound; 
Says, " Do you feel like dancing the reel? " 
He soon gets you warm and snug in bed, 
Sends for a doctor to give you pills, 
When you are all so prickled and red ; 
He says it is just like all boys' ills. 
Our daddy can understand. 

On evenings when grown-ups all go out 
To hear great music or see a play, 
Father just stays around about, 
Says he is tired and would rather stay. 
Then we play circus, and Wild West Show, 

[120] 



Till we are tired, and ready to say, 
We'll go to bed; for 'tis best, you know. 
Our daddy can understand. 

When we must go to church, and must sit 
So still, and can't count all the lights, 
So we are almost into a fit, 
We wiggle just like our clothes are tights. 
Our daddy will reach, and smooth our heads, 
Till we're so sleepy we can't sit up. 
He gives his knees for our sleepy heads. 
When it's all over he wakes us up. 

Our daddy can understand. 

He says he was a boy, so he knows 

That boys have feelings, and can have pride, 

That by our ways it so easily shows. 

Surely from him we can nothing hide, 

So we don't try to, because, you see, 

He feels for fellows, and that is why 

We and daddy will always agree; 

To him we can never be shy. 

Cause daddy can understand. 






[121] 



OUR WORLD 

There's hardly much use for you to fret, 

And forever and ever to kick ; 

If at evening the sun seems to set 

At the morn it will rise very soon. 

If all things around you may seem 
Duller than that poor pitiful loon, 
The grass on the ground will be all green 
For fair Spring, who will come very soon. 

If when often you feel very blue 
And the sky overhead is all gray, 
Know, behind is the heavenly blue, 
Calmly waiting to chase clouds away. 

When sometimes you just worry and cry 
That this dark world to you is unfit, 
Look up ! There are bright stars in the sky, 
And at night the whole heavens are lit. 

If you're working and long for a rest, 
And are ready to scream or to shout, 
The sun's sure to shine brightest and best 
After raining has soaked all about. 

If you're moping about in your room, 
'Way, 'way back in some corner you sit. 
Outside shines the clear silvery moon, 
Second-handed with beauty it's lit. 

[122] 



There's only one world, as you must know; 
You'd better make the best now of it. 
Do not find so much fault with it so ; 
It's for you who's to make it quite fit. 









[123] 



THE STARS 

When the crimson curtain of the day is drawn, 
Closed the open window of the world till morn, 
Then in silent watches, stars their vigils keep ; 
Bright eyed angels watching as we go to sleep, 
And sometimes they whisper to the weary one 
Of the happy visions just beyond the sun; 
Send their magic message to every tired brain, 
That our Savior suffered, and at last was slain ; 
Whisper softly to you, in the silent night, 
Of the joy that's coming in the realms of light. 
From the sparkling windows of the angel's souls 
We can catch the meaning that their bright- 
ness holds. 

Angels in the heaven, looking down on me, 
Tell me all the glory that your eyes can see. 



[124] 



GWENDOLYN GAY 

Fair Gwendolyn Gay, one summer's day, 
All bright and fresh as a May flower, 
Was galloping on her laughing way, 
The length of her thoroughbred's power. 
A sport maid was she, Gwendolyn Gay, 
With a daring and spirit of man, 
Without one to prevent or say nay. 
She stopped not, but onward she ran. 
One day, she was riding on to see 
Where the fairest of flowers could lay, 
With her groom in the rear a degree — 
As the custom and habit they may. 
They had passed by a horseman so bold, 
In the slope where the two rivers meet; 
One was rushing with white fringe on gold, 
One was melting in green and blue heat. 
Such a vision as did flash on his sight ? 
He, in happy surprise, jerked the bit, 
More to gaze upon one fair and bright. 
His mare's spirit was w r ounded, to wit, 
Head uplifted, and ears raised to know 
This treatment, so rough to her, show? 
Quivering tense, as was tightened her goad, 
She sprung wild, and her young rider threw. 
All so quickly, in truth, was this done 
That my words are too many and small 
To tell you. They just come one by one. 
It doesn't take long for horses to fall. 

[125] 



Our maid in alarm quickly looked back ; 

She but felt, somehow, something was wrong. 

Where she was, she had heard the whip crack. 

Her assistance to give was not long. 

The young man was down there, like one 

dead, — 
The mare had run wild, off in the dust, — 
With a hand on his whip, and his head. 
To obtain help for him now she must. 
With her groom she had lifted him soon, 
Placed upon her slick, shining, still beast; 
Then she mounted the horse of the groom, 
Well, soon homeward they went to the east. 
Now, fair child, is your heart beating wild, 
As you gaze on his unconscious face? 
This young man, with a cheek of a child, 
No more guile, nor of sin, can you trace ; 
So quite gently your burden you bear. 
To safe refuge of sire's lordly place. 
Yov» feel well, as in brushing his hair, 
That you ne'er did see a finer face. 
It was bold, free, yet pleasant to see, 
That a maid could not see without thought 
That somehow he is what men should be. 
No maid could resist such, if he sought? 
The white curtain o'er his flashing eye, 
Black velvet fringe, all drooping the edge, 
Drew up now, thus disclosing where lie 
A deep fathomless longing, a pledge. 
His heart, leaping up, bounded with joy, 

[126] 



As it sprung with glad challenge in eyes ; 
Hers responded quite soon to this boy, 
Quickly fluttered with love's sweet surprise. 
'Twas great love at first sight, for the two. 
God planned all, in His wondrous way, 
Such love, that is but blessed to a few ; 
And how gloriously happy are they! 
The proud father soon gave his consent 
He should marry his beautiful girl. 
So off on a long journey he went, 
Gathering up fairest robes for his pearl. 
When the wedding day was very near 
A long letter the father received, 
The bridegroom, it seemed, they could hear, 
Had a wife, a divorce gave, to leave. 
Then forth to this young man was it brought, 
The letter, with such terrible news. 
The truth from his lips her father sought, 
To know how such foul scandal he views. 
Tis the truth," then the young man replied, 
And my sorrow is great, and sore grief, 
That at college the hard knot was tied, — 
Just a boy, and I soon sought relief. 
She was ten years my senior, and then 
She clawed at my heart — was softest clay. 
I learned too late of her worth, just when 
My son was born, but ere that sad day 
I had tired of her long, but for this: — 
To be faithful I vowed, for my boy. 
'Twas no use ; no caress, mother's kiss, 

[127] 



U 9 



Did she give to her child in great joy. 
My baby was soon placed in the care 
Of my mother, whose heart gave to him 
What his mother denied him, to spare 
All her time in fast life, thus to swim. 
When her child was a few short months old, 
With another man she ran away.- — 
That's my history, true as 'tis told, 
Of a boy seventeen, and a day. 
" My dear daughter shall not marry you ; 
No divorced man shall wed my fair child ; 
Not one shadow like this on the true, 
Shall so follow her, tender and mild." 
But sweet Gwendolyn, when she had heard 
Of her lover's sad history, knew 
That, however her mind thought the word 
Her father had said, she only grew 
More in love with this heart of a man. 
Now to her he was not a mere boy ; 
His love now would be firmer far than 
If no grief had not heightened his joy. 
She was true to her lover, and held; 
Not an inch would withdraw of her love. 
Furthermore, to all others compelled 
All the homage to him, far above 
Hitherto they had given to him, 
For she said that in passing thus through 
Such great sacrifice of his fair youth, 
That much greater to prize him she knew, 
And she gave him a bountiful truth. 

[128] 



So the wedding came on far too soon; 

The groom garbed like dark night with white 

stars, 
The bride like the pale silvery moon. 
Not a fairer pair gave to the cause 
Of true love with a dutiful life : 
He to honor and cherish and love, 
She to be a true, faithful, good wife. 
They went on a long honeymoon gay, 
Traveling far to the " land of the sky." 
When returned from their trip, glad were they. 
She had claimed his young son, who was shy. 
She told him his mother had now come 
To love him and care for him; how 
She had wished all the time that at some 
Day his love to her he would allow. 
Then he yielded his love to the call 
Of her mother heart, beating for him. 
He just hugged her and kissed her for all 
Those few years he had missed her within. 
So he bade his dear grandma good-by: 
" I will come back to see you sometime." 
He was glad, so no longer was shy; 
He was proud with a joy most sublime. 
But the train to their home town they took, 
It was wrecked on a bridge, coming back; 
The cars from their safe bearings forsook, 
Swung away, and then twisted the track. 
And when all was once quiet again, 
Those alive went in search for the dead. 

[129] 



He found her, was so silently lain 
On the ground, with her beautiful head 
Held closely in his son's chubby arms. 
He was calling her loudly to wake. 
His young voice was quite shrill with alarms, 
Trying all his small best, just to make 
Her notice, and see he wanted her. 
" Try to open your eyes, and do look 
Back at me." He cared not to incur 
Her reproof; for such he could not brook, — 
A mere glance from her eyes not of love, 
From his newly found mother to be ! 
But poor child, he must now look above 
For the answer his call there to see. 
Father heard him call : " Mother dear, wake, 
For our train has just emptied us out." 
Btit no answer he had; he did take 
A tone louder, and then he would shout. 
Thus the bride from the wedding trip came, 
Our own sweet, our own fair Mistress Gay. 
In her coffin they fixed her the same 
As a bride. She was fair where she lay. 
Ah! so sad was the well furnished home, 
All prepared the sweet bride to receive. 
Now 'twas darkened, for ne'er will she roam, 
From the light up above will she leave. 
The day when they laid her away 
She looked fresh in her gay bridal shroud ; 
Her young husband crept out in the gray; 
By her side, in his grief he thus bowed. 

[130] 



Every night he would creep from the house, 
And lie down by the side of his wife, 
Just as softly, and still as a mouse, 
For to her he had promised his life. 
His young son one fierce, cold winter night 
Had aroused from his bed, went to see 
If permission from father he might 
Go to hunt for a green Christmas tree. 
And not finding his father in bed, 
He but followed along in his trail. 
Upon finding him, homeward he led, 
Quickly on, with a pitiful wail. 
Just as they stepped within the front door, 
The child glanced up above to the sky : 
"Look up, Father; there mother is sure, 
Asking you what's the reason, and why 
You should cling to her grave in the earth, 
While she's waiting in heaven for you, 
A home that is of far greater worth. 
Your true love for her always she knew." 
And just as his poor father looked up, 
He saw o'er the dark heavens there swung 
A bright meteor's brimming full cup, 
Upside down, spilling milk as it hung, 
Like a bride trailing on far behind, 
Her frail, misty, soft veil of fine tulle; 
With the rarest of silk it was lined, 
A full radiant vision to fool 
A mere child, full of images rare. 
But a lesson the father then learned: 

[131] 



To be true to his fairest of fair. 
He looked up, and below the ground spurned. 
When at last the boy grew to a man, 
Her good father was living with them. 
One bright morning, as day just began, 
The paper was handed ; the news then 
The boy read aloud to them both, 
As the three at their breakfast did chat, 
Of a woman for whom we should loath, 
A poor miserable creature at that. 
How she'd married a youth in his teens, 
And left him at the birth of her boy. 
She had gone down and down, by such means, 
For the sins of the earth to enjoy. 
And now as this true story begun, 
She was dead, worth a million or more, 
Which she left to her one unknown son, 
Who was living somewhere on the earth. 
To find him, and to place in his care 
This her wealth, for leaving him so, 
May it pay back to him but the share, 
For a mother from her babe to go. 
When he finished the paper he threw. 
" I am glad she's no mother of mine ; 
I am proud a good mother to know, 
All this money's a life that has lied." 
So off to his own room he did stride, 
And returned with a photograph true 
Of sweet Gwendolyn as a fair bride. 
" Father, one's proud of parents like you." 

[132] 



The train to the said city that day 
Took the father and grandfather, too, 
Just a word to those lawyers to say, 
For the death of that boy was quite true. 
He had died of neglect, just the same, 
For the want of a good mother's care; 
So the money that goes to his name 
Must be left for the orphans to share. 



[133] 






DO YOU KNOW? 

Well, do you know 

How I love you so? 
Beautiful land of thought? 
Ah I could I go : — Not to know 

Worry, a living, or mart. 

Say, do you know 

How I love you so? 
Land of such beautiful dreams? 
Far I would go, there to know 

What all the mystery means. 

Faith, do you know 

How I love you so? 
O land of glorious light, — 
There I would go ; to all show 

What must be always the right. 

Now, do you know 

How I love you so? 
Dear land of wondrous love? 
Quick would I go, proud to show 

That of all you are above. 



[134] 



DR. WILLIAM C. MINOR 

A pitiful case that must be ; 

My heart, it is bleeding within. 

Those deep misty eyes I can see, 

Great learning and lack of all sin; 

These eyes full of knowledge of things, 

Intelligent, yet, and without. 

A shiver of sorrow it brings, 

That such things should come round about. 

Full forty years' lifetime he spent 

With rude and with ignorant men, 

When light of his reason all went — 

He murdered. His punishment then — 

To Broadmoor. A criminal grave. 

This man went, of genius and pow'r, 

To live out his life till its wave, 

His room on the right third floor tow'r. 

He gave to Sir Murray's great book 
Eight thousand good verses to use, 
For words that all people should look, 
To use thus, and not to confuse. 
Such learning, such wisdom, and yet 
The lack of pure reason was there. 
Queer phantasies that he could get 
Not over, his mind has to share. 
His sin? Do you say that he killed? 
No, no, yes, a thousand times no. 
The sin of so many, that lay 

[135] 



To war, and its terrible woe. 

His sin? That his great reason fell 

To pain, its loud cry, when he bored 

The hot branding iron, to tell 

The victims all wars can afford. 

His sin? 'Tis the nation's to take 

A sensitive soul such as this, 

To press into service, and make 

A butcher; a god-like man miss; 

A man of such power and great range 

Be turned into such an account, 

Because we in ignorance arrange 

The goats with the sheep in amount ; 

That wisdom we lack, to engage 

Great souls for mean tasks thus to do ; 

To force into service a sage. 

The outcome was sure, as it grew. 

His cloud of great sorrow will lift 

Not far from his wonderful brain, 

This Evil One that will not shift, 

Give way to his reason again. 

Just so, can we not understand? 

Men are not all made just alike. 

To one, 'tis pure joy, master hand — 

Another, hell torture, — the like. 



[136] 



TO LIVE 

Your heart you keep pure, your mind you keep 

clean, 
Your life keep honest, and do nothing mean ; 
Just try to be kind, and never to show 
Evil, that every one's nature must know. 
To build the likeness of God in our soul, 
Just conquer old Evil, and to him dole 
Poor diet; he will soon die for the want 
Of nourishment, and no more will he flaunt 
His pinions, so to disfigure the plan 
Of God to preserve us, as He began ; 
That we should inherit His kingdom above, 
Live in the joys of purified love. 
To work for the good of others, and then 
We'll know full well of our highest joys when, 
In serving others, we soon come to know 
The greatest service to ourselves we show. 



[137] 



1 



A SOUL 

Did you ever start trying a cake to make? 
Then into the oven you put it to bake? 
Now if ever you have, you will know well why 
You can never learn how, until by and by. 
You've plenty of sugar, butter, flour and egg, 
But yet you have a thousand pardons to beg 
For offering others such horrid stuff. 
When into the mixture, you put quite enough, 
Yet will learn very well how, after a while, 
The all proper manner, and in the best style 
Of beating and mixing and baking it too, 
Will carry success with cake all the way 

through. 
We learn by failures, as in everything else ; 
That practice makes perfect; within your 

mouth melts. 
You must have the best goods, you also must 

know 

The great combination with baking will show. 

The art of much beating, and sifting enough, 

Together with powder that will make tiny puff. 

This is the only way to make a good cake, 

Using the best of everything for its sake. 
• ••••• • 

Now can you tell me how a soul you can make ? 
With a heart, mind, body, together you take, 
Mixing it, sifting it, and baking it so 
That it will rise well, and much higher go? 

[138] 



So no apology you will have to say, 

When gladly you present your soul on that 

Day; 
Others will ask you to explain to them how 
For baking and measuring you will allow. 



[139] 






BOYS 

Glad and happy, and always at play, 
Busy, at something the livelong day, 
Ever good natured, with a bright smile, 
Making the best of things all the while ; 
Climbing the tree, or jumping the fence, 
Or springing upon you, you know not whence, 
Playing at marbles, or any ball game, 
Always in motion, ever the same ; 
Living out the last inch of his life, 
When he's laughing, or at battle strife; 
Working out history of man, — boy too ; 
Years of the old time, present days through. 
No care nor worry enters his head, . 
He sleeps soundly when he goes to bed; 
Great resentment cannot live long where 
Mind is healthy, with no room to spare. 
Without a thought of what he has on, 
Off to business or pleasure he's gone, — 
Happy and free as birds of the air, 
Full of the open, his health to share. 



[140] 



SOUTHLAND 

O land of cane and pecan, 
Dear land of cotton and rice, 
In autumn's bright sunny morn 
You will harvest in your price. 

Our land of orange and pine, 
Rich land of berries and grape, 
There's not a season or time 
That your yield we cannot take. 

Fair land of magnolia, rose, 
Sweet land of olive and fern, 
A home of rest and repose, 
From hurry of all we turn. 

Turn to this land of our own, 
With its sweetness undisturbed 
By the hurry of business blown, 
And desire of wealth not curbed. 

To its lives, its quiet and peace, 
Its wealth from richness of lands, 
That its products may not cease, 
The glory or cordial hands. 



[141] 



CHRIST OF THE ANDES 

The Andes Highland, God's great fence, 

To hold each country, in a sense, 

To his own land, and not to disturb 

The other's place by act or word. 

This peace at one time seemed to be 

A little trembling on the sea 

Of controversy, to tell which 

Should have some land ; upon the hitch 

Of this a hot wind did soon fan, 

And that's how talk of war began. 

But e'er each other's blood was shed, 

God sent His shepherds, and they led 

These countries into peaceful folds, 

Within the arms of Christ, who holds 

His dripping hands above their head, 

And tells them, " Peace, Good Will," instead. 

So Argentine, and Chile too, 

Across these mountains did pass through, 

And clasping each the other's hand, 

Claimed they would live on Christian land. 

And so the blood that Christ had spilt 

Redeemed them from this awful guilt. 

Lift high this emblem there — as well — 
Europe ! — These great nations tell 
That He who shed His blood for all 
Is pleading, and upon them call 
To celebrate this Christmas day. 

[142] 



All honor and rich tribute pay 

By planting high that all may see, 

The cross, His mighty Christmas tree. 

'Twill live on snow clad mountain peaks, 

Or in hot desert lands you seek, 

And all its fruit your land will fill, 

" Of Peace on earth, to man Good Will." 



[143] 



RUTH THE GLEANER 

Ruth, dear Ruth, with your burden of wheat, 
Ruth, wise Ruth, with your treasure of grace, 
Where can we find a woman so sweet, 
Coupled with such a beautiful face? 

Ruth, true Ruth, on great loyalty bent, 
Ruth, wise Ruth, you are so stanch and firm, 
Happy and faithful and well content 
To live with his folks on any term. 

Ruth, sweet Ruth, you are so docile and mild, 
Ruth, wise Ruth, all patient, wise and good, 
Meek and faithful, and sweet as a child, 
Loving to do whatever you could. 

Ruth, fine Ruth, to be sure that we know 
How loving to mother-in-law you, 
Traveling with her mile and mile so, 
To his God and people to be true. 

His mother, in love with her ward, 
Planned and completed a woman's scheme, 
That from such duty should come reward, — 
She whispers you the drift of her theme. 

So now, little Ruth, we see, we see, 
That goodness will not ever be lost. 
Your life's a lesson, 'twill ever be 
This duty, and calm faith in the past. 

[144] 



You're the emblem of loyalty true. 
All these virtues on you we call. 
Courage and patience all the way through, 
Maiden so tenderly mild withall. 



[145] 



GOD WITHIN 

We feel a kinship to all life on earth, 
Taught by the Almighty Giver of birth. 
There's a brotherhood for each living thing, 
Causing the soul within all thus to sing. 
'Tis the Germ of God that grows from the dark ; 
A great flame can be made from this tiny Spark. 
We see the rose, as she gathers to bloom, 
A most brilliant flower out of the gloom 
Into the light of day ; 'tis the same spark 
That gathered its Germ to roots in the dark. 
We see in the fruit of such perfect shape 
And flavor, that we must wonder and take 
A thought, that somehow a power and force 
Lies behind this perfection, and the source, 
We conclude, is the Germ of Creation, 
Our God, Who is in every life station. 
His presence we find in flower and tree, 
The horse and the cow that gives unto thee. 
How could the cow be so gentle to see, 
Unless her Creator within her be? 
Why can fine horses, this Spark grown to fire, 
Without his Creator with him inspire. 
Everything living has God, to be sure, 
In Germ, working out Perfection so pure. 
All life grows upward, to reach the fair hem 
Of Garment, to gain His Spirit in them. 
Grow to Perfection ! and honor the One 
Who gave from Glory His one only Son; 

[146] 



To show that His Presence can help us be 

Near kin to the One who died on a tree ; 

Show that the Spark of Divine Fire can grow 

Together with life on this earth below. 

And that's why we feel this kindred to all 

Life that will grow here, no matter how small. 

For everything growing, upward must go ; 

By this their Creator surely must know. 

No flower opens, but I see in it 

The effort to be, to their Maker, more fit. 

No fruit, nor animal, in a big show, 

But told me somehow their Maker must know. 

Great God, Who permeates all living things, 
Help me to show that 'tis You in me sings. 



[147] 



CARNIVAL 

Where is gay New Orleans, when her Rex 

comes in? 
Full of joy and pleasure, wherever he has been. 
See the little children all in masquerade, 
Waiting for the coming of the Rex parade, 
Sitting high above us, on his lofty throne, 
Rolling through the city, ere he reaches home. 
'Lectric lights and music, walking torches too, 
As at night his kingship in the streets pass 

through. 
Indians and devils, clowns, dogs and monkeys 

brown, 
And thee, Cinderella, walking on the ground. 
After Comus passes through the streets at 

night, 
Then they all will gather at the ball-room 

bright. 
Pour parades we have here, each one with a 

king. 
Carnival is lively, rich in everything. 
Throwing beads and trinkets out of every float, 
Surely you're lucky to get some from a float. 
And such crowds of people, gathered for the 

fun, — 
You're crushed to pieces before the show's 

begun. 
Candy, corn and peanuts selling everywhere, 
Wagonloads of people, each seated in a chair ; 

[148] 



Packed the cars and buggies, 'mobiles creeping 

by, 

For they must be careful passing crowds to try. 
Such a lot of pleasure, packed within two days, 
And the strangers always of the city praise. 



[149] 



CHRISTMAS 

The child who Santa brings Such lots of lovely 

toys, 
There is a King of kings: His birth gave you 

these joys. 

The child who somehow knows That Santa will 

forget 
Him, Christmas surely shows — How poor that 

Babe ; — and yet 

Ah ! little children, see ! What Christmas means 

to you. 
Which one of you can be So good, so pure, so 

true? 

Try on this Christmas day, For then His life 

began ; 
To do, and be and say, As like Him as you can. 

So Merry Christmas now, And many more the 

same, 
And may our Christ allow You happiness and 

gain. 



[150] 



NIGHT IS COMING 

Night is coming, day is going; 

In the east the sky is gray ; 
In the west, the sky is showing, 

Fuller flushed, a crimson ray. 

Life is coming, age is going, 
Leaving clad in silent gray, 

While the joys of youth are showing, 
Golden locks, or red streaks, gay. 

Soon the night will softly cover 
Over all her mourning cloak, 

Causing those who live to hover 
Still beneath the deepening smoke. 

Youth is going, age is coming, 

Surely to us every one. 
See ! the youth's last flush all glowing, 

Spreading like the setting sun. 



[151] 



BEAUTIFUL LIGHT 

O beautiful light, beautiful light, 
O beautiful home of pure delight, 
Draped in the lines of perfect thought, 
Warmed by the rays of a glowing Heart. 

Oh, for the realms of an endless day, 
Off from the coils of mouldering clay, 
Cooled by the joys of sweet zephyr air, 
Bathed in a sparkling white fountain clear. 

Illumined by sparks of greatest wit, 
Softened by beauty when they're lit. 
O glorious home of pure delight, 
Where all is perfect within our sight. 



[152] 



THE SUN 

Glorious path of light we take, 
Facing our sun, when we awake; 
Glorious Path of Sacred Light, 
Forcing beauty upon our sight. 

All of our world closes its eyes 
When it passes from off your skies ; 
When we must turn our back to you, 
Our spirits flag, we languish too. 

We lose ourselves, — don't care to live, 
Until our face to you we give. 



[153] 






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